Pinchbeck United Football Club is seeking to return to its historic home ground at Glebe Field in Pinchbeck after nine years of ground-sharing arrangements. Since their promotion to the National League System from the Peterborough & District League, the club has played its home matches away from the village, currently ground-sharing with Sleaford Town following an earlier partnership with Spalding United.
Chairman Gary Coomes outlined plans to upgrade Glebe Field to meet league requirements, noting that although planning permission has been granted, development has stalled due to objections from the local parish council. The club faces challenges related to increased costs and diminished supporter attendance caused by the relocation, as well as the loss of matchday revenue, with all bar proceeds currently going to the host clubs.
To facilitate a return, the club must install hard standing on two sides of the pitch, erect fencing rails, provide covered spectator seating, add dug-outs, install floodlights, and enlarge dressing rooms to comply with league standards. Coomes estimates the necessary upgrades will cost approximately £100,000, with the possibility of covering up to 75% of expenses through Football Foundation grants. If approved and funded, the club aims to complete renovations in time for the 2027/28 season.
A key asset at Glebe Field is its successful Sports Bar, which operates daily and has become a significant source of revenue supporting the club’s activities. Originally volunteer-run and expanded during the COVID-19 pandemic, the bar now employs six staff and represents a business valued at around £250,000. Coomes emphasized that having their own stadium would allow the club to retain all matchday income, potentially enabling them to offer free admission to home fixtures while generating substantial revenue from the clubhouse, estimated at £5 to £10 per visitor.
Pinchbeck United has previously reached the fifth tier of non-league football and is eager to ascend the league pyramid once again. Returning to Glebe Field would not only solidify the club’s position within the non-league structure but also restore its connection with the local community.
The club continues discussions with the parish council and remains hopeful that a resolution will enable them to move forward with their plans, marking a significant step in Pinchbeck United’s long-term development.